Representing India in itself is a big responsibility: Vijay Zol

Young and always restless to score, cricketer Vijay Zol is considered one of the emerging cricketainers of India. The young run machine, who's been named captain of the India's ACC U-19 Asia Cup squad to be played in UAE, speaks to TOI about his decision to give school a miss and let his bat earn him those moments of glory, family support and his cricket idols in an interview. Excerpts: The moment you represent India,that in itself becomes a big responsibility. I am lucky to have got such nicefriends in the team. In the U-19 team, most of the players have known each othersince our U-13 days - since the last 4-5 years. When your opponents become yourteammates, it feels very different. You know each other's short comings andstrong points, which enables you understand each other better and bondwell.My dad has been my anchor. My family trusted myjudgement when I wanted to focus on cricket. My school timings were 8am to 5pmand were not conducive for me to adjust with my cricket training. I either hadto miss my morning session or the evening session. At that moment I felt I wantto play cricket and my family believed I can do that. They were supportive evenwhen I didn't score runs. I usually call my dad before everymatch.There are many players who inspire a young cricketer. When it comes to a role model, for every cricketer the first names comes is that of Sachin Tendulkar. Having said that I relate a lot to Michael Hussey because of the sheer character he's displayed throughout his cricketing career. To have dominated the domestic circuit for so long and wear the Australian cap for so many years is really great.I admire Virat Kohli because of his hunger to win every game badly. His approach towards cricket and how aggressively he takes the game forward are amazing. At the same time, I feel lucky to have seen Chris Gayle closely. He's a jolly character. He will keep the dressing room atmosphere light no matter how high is the pressure.Nervousness before a game is always there. But netsession before a match sets me for a game where we read the wicket. It's allabout my confidence. I'm not worried about my opponents. I just want to bemyself on field. I don't copy any other player's cricketing style either. I amhappy scoring runs for my team.I don't have time to dateanybody. At present, I am in love with only my game. I am not a talkative personand would like to keep things to myself.